Have you ever wondered how to properly address a British lord, lady, or even a Right Honourable? Perhaps you’ve been invited to an exclusive event or need to send a formal thank-you note. As someone who is a little obsessed with etiquette and good old English manners, I believe that understanding the proper forms of address is part of what makes letter-writing so charming.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to address envelopes and start letters for titled individuals. Whether you’re writing to a member of the aristocracy, a military officer, or a doctor, you’ll be perfectly prepared to impress with your correspondence.
Lords and Ladies – Traditional forms of address
When addressing members of the British aristocracy, it’s important to use the correct title. Here’s how to get it right:
For Barons and Baronesses
Envelope:The Lord [Surname] or The Baroness [Surname]
Example: The Lord Smith or The Baroness Smith
Salutation:Dear Lord Smith or Dear Baroness Smith
For Higher-Ranking Peers (Dukes, Marquesses, Earls, Viscounts)
Dukes and Duchesses
Envelope:His Grace The Duke of [Place] or Her Grace The Duchess of [Place]
Example: His Grace The Duke of Norfolk
Salutation:Dear Duke or Dear Duchess
Marquesses and Marchionesses
Envelope:The Most Honourable The Marquess of [Place] or The Most Honourable The Marchioness of [Place]
Example: The Most Honourable The Marquess of Bath
Salutation:Dear Lord Bath or Dear Lady Bath
Earls and Countesses
Envelope:The Earl of [Place] or The Countess of [Place]
Example: The Earl of Pembroke
Salutation:Dear Lord Pembroke or Dear Lady Pembroke
Viscounts and Viscountesses
Envelope:The Viscount [Title] or The Viscountess [Title]
Example: The Viscount Althorp
Salutation:Dear Lord Althorp or Dear Lady Althorp
How to Address a Right Honourable
The term The Right Honourable (often abbreviated to The Rt Hon) is used for members of the Privy Council, certain peers, and some MPs. Here’s how to address them:
Peers:The Rt Hon The Lord [Title] or The Rt Hon The Lady [Title]
Example: The Rt Hon The Lord Williams
Salutation:Dear Lord Williams
MPs Who Are Privy Councillors:The Rt Hon [First Name] [Surname], MP
Example: The Rt Hon Elizabeth Johnson, MP
Salutation:Dear Ms Johnson
MPs Who Are Not Privy Councillors:
Address as Mr/Ms [Surname] with the salutation Dear Mr/Ms [Surname].
Proper Forms of Address for Knights and Dames
Knights and dames have special titles that must be used correctly in formal correspondence:
For Knights:
Envelope:Sir [First Name] [Surname]
Example: Sir John Smith
Salutation:Dear Sir John
For Married Couples:Sir John and Lady Smith
For Dames:
Envelope:Dame [First Name] [Surname]
Example: Dame Alice Roberts
Salutation:Dear Dame Alice
Addressing Doctors and Medical Professionals
Doctors are addressed simply but with the appropriate level of formality:
Envelope:Dr [First Name] [Surname]
Example: Dr Jane Taylor
Salutation:Dear Dr Taylor
Military Ranks – Serving and Retired Officers
When addressing military officers, it’s essential to use their correct rank.
Envelope:Rank [Surname]
Example: Major Collins or Colonel Foster
Salutation:Dear Major Collins or Dear Colonel Foster
For retired officers, add “(Retd.)” after their rank on the envelope:
Example: Colonel R.D. Foster (Retd.)
How to Address Clergy Members
When addressing clergy, the formality depends on the rank of the person and whether the communication is formal or personal.
Archbishops and Bishops
Envelope:The Most Reverend [Full Name], Archbishop of [Place] (for archbishops)
Example: The Most Reverend John Smith, Archbishop of Canterbury
Salutation:Your Grace
Envelope:The Right Reverend [Full Name], Bishop of [Place] (for bishops)
Example: The Right Reverend Sarah Mullally, Bishop of London
Salutation:My Lord Bishop or simply Dear Bishop
Priests and Deacons
Envelope:The Reverend [Full Name]
Example: The Reverend John Peterson
Salutation:Dear Mr Peterson, Dear Father Peterson, or Dear Reverend Peterson (depending on the tradition and preference).
There’s something undeniably special about receiving beautifully addressed correspondence. By taking the time to get these details right, you’re showing an extra level of care and consideration. And, of course, using luxury stationery makes your letter even more memorable.
At Pollyanna Harmsworth, I offer bespoke stationery designed to reflect your style while honouring tradition. Whether you’re sending a formal invitation, a thank-you note, or a heartfelt letter, make every word count—and every address perfect. I’m always here to help – so do get in touch if you have a question.
How to address Lords, Ladies, Doctors and more – Your guide to proper etiquette
Have you ever wondered how to properly address a British lord, lady, or even a Right Honourable? Perhaps you’ve been invited to an exclusive event or need to send a formal thank-you note. As someone who is a little obsessed with etiquette and good old English manners, I believe that understanding the proper forms of address is part of what makes letter-writing so charming.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to address envelopes and start letters for titled individuals. Whether you’re writing to a member of the aristocracy, a military officer, or a doctor, you’ll be perfectly prepared to impress with your correspondence.
Lords and Ladies – Traditional forms of address
When addressing members of the British aristocracy, it’s important to use the correct title. Here’s how to get it right:
For Barons and Baronesses
For Higher-Ranking Peers (Dukes, Marquesses, Earls, Viscounts)
Dukes and Duchesses
Marquesses and Marchionesses
Earls and Countesses
Viscounts and Viscountesses
How to Address a Right Honourable
The term The Right Honourable (often abbreviated to The Rt Hon) is used for members of the Privy Council, certain peers, and some MPs. Here’s how to address them:
Proper Forms of Address for Knights and Dames
Knights and dames have special titles that must be used correctly in formal correspondence:
Addressing Doctors and Medical Professionals
Doctors are addressed simply but with the appropriate level of formality:
Military Ranks – Serving and Retired Officers
When addressing military officers, it’s essential to use their correct rank.
For retired officers, add “(Retd.)” after their rank on the envelope:
How to Address Clergy Members
When addressing clergy, the formality depends on the rank of the person and whether the communication is formal or personal.
Archbishops and Bishops
Priests and Deacons
There’s something undeniably special about receiving beautifully addressed correspondence. By taking the time to get these details right, you’re showing an extra level of care and consideration. And, of course, using luxury stationery makes your letter even more memorable.
At Pollyanna Harmsworth, I offer bespoke stationery designed to reflect your style while honouring tradition. Whether you’re sending a formal invitation, a thank-you note, or a heartfelt letter, make every word count—and every address perfect. I’m always here to help – so do get in touch if you have a question.
Happy writing!